getting low action

[drewphishes]

So I have my bass adjusted with the action pretty low.  Around 1.75 mm on the E side and 1.55 mm on the G.
I have a p bass with flats on it that I can get the action to about 1.5mm on the e with no buzzes.
If I go any lower on my alembic with pressurewounds I start to get buzzy should I just be happy with this action? I mean 1.75 mm is super low for most people

[StephenR]

Where on the neck are you getting buzzes? Makes a difference as far as suggesting possible fixes.

If you haven't already read Joey's excellent post about setting up your bass and worked through the suggested steps give it a shot.

http://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=311.0

[drewphishes]

been through joeys setups, my action is already considerably lower than he reccomends which is why I am owndering If I should just be happy with it or not

buzz around fret 5 then 12 -24 if i go lower than I am now

[adriaan]

If you're used to playing a P bass with flats, you might be hitting the strings harder than you need to on an Alembic.


Other than that, make sure you follow Joey's post to the letter. Adjust a little too far, to where the buzzes and stuff start, then take it back just a touch.


i would take measurements only at the point where you're happy with the playability, and then jot them down for future reference.

[jwright9]

I still think you should sell me your bass.
 

[drewphishes]

hahah always with that.  It appears the value of epics has gone up alot in the past few months, I havent seen one listed under 2k! 

not going anywhere unless I can find an epic 5 or a series 1 or 2 34 inch scale 5er

[mica]

Are you happy with the playability? I personally rarely use any measuring device for my own setups. My thought is it really doesn't matter what the numbers are since I'm not playing the numbers.

And as Adriaan suggests, playing with a heavier touch and very low action is a recipe for buzzing. What is your touch like?

[drewphishes]

I would like it to be a little lower, but I don't think its possible.

I think I just get tainted when I go back and forth with my p bass, the action is just so low on that bc of the flats that i get spoiled. 

the epic is def more than playable and feels good, I wish i could get like another .2 mm out of it but i dont wanna start twisting truss rods cause neck relief is good

[adriaan]

No reason not to adjust the trussrods. Adjust both by roughly the same amount, say by a 1/8 or a 1/4 turn, in the same direction. As with all other adjustments, it's easily reversed. Just allow perhaps a couple of hours for the neck to settle in after a trussrod adjustment, and you may need to adjust the bridge height, and possibly touch up the intonation.

[jwright9]

I'm just joking with you drew.
Enjoy your bass.

[drewphishes]

I know

Also I get the no measurement thing, but how can I relate to you where it is now if I don't use measurements.  cause you cant see it